Forever Buffs: University of Colorado Boulder Alumni

Forty years ago, Brian Nevin was a CU Boulder student playing fraternity parties and local Boulder venues with two friends who shared a dream. Today, he's still behind the drums with Big Head Todd and the Monsters, one of Colorado's most iconic bands.

From late night shows at Tulagi to annual performances at Red Rocks, the band's Colorado roots have remained at the heart of their story. This summer, they're returning to Boulder as the headliner of the Boulder Roots Music Festival.

Ahead of the festival, Brian reflects on the band's early days at CU Boulder, the friendships that have lasted four decades and the advice he'd give today's Buffs.

Tap the link to read the full Q&A and grab your tickets to the Boulder Roots Music Festival!
https://www.colorado.edu/alumni/2026/07/22/forever-buff-brian-nevin-reflects-40-years-big-head-todd-and-monsters

Batter up, Buffs! Join an upcoming Baseball Night in a city near you. Meet fellow alumni, grow your local network and enjoy exclusive ticket pricing for each game.

📍 San Diego Buffs at the Ballpark — Friday, Aug. 7�
📍 CU Night at the Rockies (Denver) — Friday, Aug. 21�
📍 Washington, D.C. Buffs at the Ballpark — Friday, Aug. 28�
📍 New York Buffs at the Ballpark — Sunday, Sept. 13

Tap the link to register! https://www.colorado.edu/alumni/events/baseball

Odyssey this, odyssey that... we think the best journey is the one back to Boulder. 💛🖤

Swipe to discover what you “odyssey” during Homecoming Weekend, September 30–October 3, and register now! https://bit.ly/4hnaMin

Asaiah Gifford (MechEng'26) embraced every opportunity that came her way at CU Boulder, and each experience helped shape the next.

From studying abroad in Spain, Singapore and Rwanda to leading Engineers Without Borders and serving her campus community as president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Asaiah built a college experience that combined engineering, leadership and a global perspective.

This summer, she's taking that mindset to United Launch Alliance for an internship before returning to CU Boulder to pursue a master's degree in mechanical engineering.

Her advice to current Buffs:

"Say yes to the opportunities CU offers you — even if they don't seem connected. Those experiences might just shape the path you're meant to take."

https://bit.ly/4gZI8Uf

A strong alumni community doesn't just happen. It's built by Forever Buffs who choose to stay connected, give back and create opportunities for others.

For Laura Bruns (EnvSt'99, MA'05), volunteering is her way of doing exactly that.

As a member of the Forever Buffs Advisory Board and Forever Buffs Denver, Laura helps bring Buffs together through alumni events, scholarships and traditions like Grad Bash. She believes every act of service, no matter how small, helps strengthen the community that meant so much to her.

"Volunteering is incredibly fulfilling, and in a world that can sometimes feel out of control, it reminds me that there are still meaningful ways to contribute and make things just a little bit better." -Laura Bruns (EnvSt'99, MA'05)

Read more about Laura's story and why volunteering remains one of her favorite ways to stay connected to CU Boulder. 🖤💛 https://www.colorado.edu/alumni/2026/03/23/forever-buffs-volunteer-spotlight-laura-bruns-envst99-ma05

On October 3rd, we wear black and gold. 🖤💛

For generations, Homecoming has welcomed Buffs back to Boulder to reconnect with friends, relive favorite memories and celebrate the traditions that unite our community.

Join alumni, students, families and friends Sept. 30–Oct. 3 as CU Boulder celebrates 150 years of tradition and togetherness during an unforgettable Homecoming Weekend.

Tap the link below to explore everything happening throughout the weekend and register for signature events like Buffs on Tap and our free Homecoming Tailgate!

https://bit.ly/3T7mGCL

What started as a middle school hobby for Jaxon Statzell (Arch'09) became a lifelong passion, and eventually a career designing some of the world's most iconic skateparks, including venues for the Olympic Games and X Games.

Today, the CU Boulder alumnus is bringing that expertise home, helping design a skatepark in his hometown of Evergreen, Colorado.

"Skateboarding taught me perseverance and grit," Statzell says. "It's an individual artistic expression and a social activity — winning doesn't require anyone else to lose."

🔗 Read more of Jason's story: https://www.colorado.edu/coloradan/2026/03/09/jaxon-statzell-designs-skateparks-around-world